Weston-super-Mare’s water park has reopened after being targeted by vandals - but the water won't be turned on this year.
Vandals previously caused thousands of pounds of damage last month after trashing the wooden castle on the site as well as daubing the park with obscene graffit.
Weston-super-Mare Town Council, which operates the seafront attraction, has said it has now made the decision not to turn on the splash pads this summer despite the park reopening.
A spokeswoman said: "After acts of costly vandalism, we are delighted we have opened the water adventure play park.
"Sadly, we can't turn on the splash pads. We know that this is a great disappointment.
"We have not taken this decision without researching government regulations and trying hard to find ways we can keep the water on and keep safe the families using the facilities.
"We have contacted other water parks who have also come to the same conclusion that they can't turn the water on."
She continued: "Although water parks come under the same government regulations as swimming pools, swimming pools have swimming lanes and employed year-round staff.
"We have to consider safety when it comes to families social distancing in the water areas, staffing, water quality and of course the vandalism set us back time-wise as well as financially.
"More work will be done in the winter as more repair work is needed. We had to decide to open the park free for everyone to use, or miss too much more of the summer preparing to turn the water on.
"We are sorry and also disappointed that we can't turn the water on this year. Thank you for your understanding."
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